Methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses identifying opportunities to capture content sense a user profile; determine a geographic location of a device; and transmit at least one suggestion to the device based on the geographic location of the device and the user profile wherein the suggestion indicates a photo opportunity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/771,902, filed on Feb. 4, 2004, incorporated herein by reference inits entirety, now U.S. Pat. No. ______.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to identifying opportunities tocapture content and, more particularly, to identifying opportunities tocapture content based on location.

BACKGROUND

With the use of electronic image capturing devices, there has been aproliferation of images that have been recorded by users. Userstypically record content that captures their interests. In one example,a user utilizes the image capturing device to record images of historicbuildings while on vacation. The content captured by users includesvideo tracks, graphic images, and photographs.

In some cases while sightseeing on vacation, the user may not be awareof an opportunity to record sights nearby that interest the user. Forexample, the user may be visiting a historic building with a city. Whilevisiting, the user is able to capture images of this historic building.Because the visitor is not familiar with this city, the user may notrealize that another historic building is located several blocks away.Had the user known that a similar historic building was only severalblocks away, the user would have visited this additional historicbuilding as well.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses identifying opportunitiesto capture content sense a user profile; determine a geographic locationof a device; and transmit at least one suggestion to the device based onthe geographic location of the device and the user profile wherein thesuggestion indicates a photo opportunity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate and explain one embodiment of themethods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capturecontent. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methodsand apparatuses for synchronizing and tracking content are implemented;

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating one embodiment inwhich the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities tocapture content are implemented;

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistentwith one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for identifyingopportunities to capture content;

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating one embodiment inwhich the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities tocapture content;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methodsand apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methodsand apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methodsand apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the methods and apparatuses foridentifying opportunities to capture content refers to the accompanyingdrawings. The detailed description is not intended to limit the methodsand apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content.Instead, the scope of the methods and apparatuses for identifyingopportunities to capture content is defined by the appended claims andequivalents. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many otherimplementations are possible, consistent with the present invention.

References to “content” includes data such as photographs, images,video, text, graphics, and the like, that are embodied in digital oranalog electronic form.

References to “electronic device” includes a device such as a digitalstill camera, a video camera, a personal digital assistant with anability to capture an image, a cellular device with an ability tocapture an image, and any electronic device with an ability to capturean image.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methodsand apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content areimplemented. The environment includes an electronic device 110 (e.g., acomputing platform configured to act as a client device, such as acomputer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a cameradevice), a user interface 115, a network 120 (e.g., a local areanetwork, a home network, the Internet), and a server 130 (e.g., acomputing platform configured to act as a server).

In one embodiment, one or more user interface 115 components are madeintegral with the electronic device 110 (e.g., keypad and video displayscreen input and output interfaces in the same housing as personaldigital assistant electronics (e.g., as in a Clie® manufactured by SonyCorporation). In other embodiments, one or more user interface 115components (e.g., a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, trackball,etc.), a microphone, a speaker, a display, a camera) are physicallyseparate from, and are conventionally coupled to, electronic device 110.The user utilizes interface 115 to access and control content andapplications stored in electronic device 110, server 130, or a remotestorage device (not shown) coupled via network 120.

In accordance with the invention, embodiments of identifyingopportunities to capture content as described below are executed by anelectronic processor in electronic device 110, in server 130, or byprocessors in electronic device 110 and in server 130 acting together.Server 130 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being a single computingplatform, but in other instances are two or more interconnectedcomputing platforms that act as a server.

The methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capturecontent are shown in the context of exemplary embodiments ofapplications in which content is suggested and identified based on thelocation of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the user utilizescontent through the electronic device 110 and the network 120. Inanother embodiment, the content is tracked and synchronized by theapplication that is located within the server 130 and/or the electronicdevice 110.

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for identifyingopportunities to capture content is configured to provide a device witha list of suggestions based on a user profile and a location of thedevice. In one instance, the list of suggestions is selected from aphoto opportunity database. Additionally, the user profile includes thetype of content of interested by the user of the device in oneembodiment.

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for identifyingopportunities to capture content is configured to provide detailedinformation corresponding to a selection from the list of suggestions.In one instance, the detailed information includes directions to theselection. In another instance, the detailed information includesdetailed, dynamic directions to the selection based on the real-timelocation of the device. In one embodiment, the detailed informationincludes sample images and text describing the selection.

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for identifyingopportunities to capture content automatically updates the user profilebased on the image(s) captured by the device.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture inwhich the methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities tocapture content are implemented. The exemplary architecture includes aplurality of electronic devices 110, a server device 130, and a network120 connecting electronic devices 110 to server 130 and each electronicdevice 110 to each other. The plurality of electronic devices 110 areeach configured to include a computer-readable medium 209, such asrandom access memory, coupled to an electronic processor 208. Processor208 executes program instructions stored in the computer-readable medium209. A unique user operates each electronic device 110 via an interface115 as described with reference to FIG. 1.

Server device 130 includes a processor 211 coupled to acomputer-readable medium 212. In one embodiment, the server device 130is coupled to one or more additional external or internal devices, suchas, without limitation, a secondary data storage element, such asdatabase 240.

In one instance, processors 208 and 211 are manufactured by IntelCorporation, of Santa Clara, Calif. In other instances, othermicroprocessors are used.

The plurality of client devices 110 and the server 130 includeinstructions for a customized application for identifying opportunitiesto capture content. In one embodiment, the plurality ofcomputer-readable medium 209 and 212 contain, in part, the customizedapplication. Additionally, the plurality of client devices 110 and theserver 130 are configured to receive and transmit electronic messagesfor use with the customized application. Similarly, the network 120 isconfigured to transmit electronic messages for use with the customizedapplication.

One or more user applications are stored in memories 209, in memory 211,or a single user application is stored in part in one memory 209 and inpart in memory 211. In one instance, a stored user application,regardless of storage location, is made customizable based onidentifying opportunities to capture content as determined usingembodiments described below.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an identifying system 300. Theidentifying system 300 includes a review module 310, a location module320, a storage module 330, an interface module 340, and a control module350. In one embodiment, the control module 350 communicates with thereview module 310, the location module 320, the storage module 330, andthe interface module 340.

In one embodiment, the control module 350 coordinates tasks, requests,and communications between the review module 310, the location module320, the storage module 330, and the interface module 340.

In one embodiment, the review module 310 analyzes a profile associatedwith a user of the electronic device 110. In one embodiment, the profileincludes different content types of pictures captured by the user. Forexample, the user of the electronic device 110 captures pictures ofmonuments, scenic landscapes, churches, historical buildings, and thelike.

In another embodiment, the review module 310 identifies possible pictureopportunities from selecting from a picture opportunity database basedin part on the profile. In one embodiment, the picture opportunitydatabase includes a listing of opportunities to capture a photograph andis organized by geography area and content type. For example, a churchlocated in San Francisco, Calif. is listed as a photograph opportunitywithin the picture opportunity database. In this example, this listedchurch can be classified as a church, a historical building, a monument,and the like for content type within the picture opportunity database.In addition, this listed church can also be classified under “SanFrancisco” under geography area within the picture opportunity database.

In yet another embodiment, the review module 310 creates a profile forthe user based on the photographs captured by the user. For example, thereview module 310 reviews prior photographs captured by the user throughthe electronic device 110.

In yet another embodiment, the review module 310 updates an existingprofile based on additional photographs captured by the user. Forexample, the review module 310 monitors the photographic activity of theuser through the electronic device 110.

In one embodiment, the location module 320 identifies a location of theelectronic device 110. In one embodiment, the location module 320receives information identifying the location of the electronic device110 and makes the location information available to the review module310. In one embodiment, the location of the electronic device isdetermined through a system of satellites such as a global positioningsystem (GPS). In another embodiment, the location of the electronicdevice 110 is determined locally by multiple sensors which pin point thedevice's location.

In yet another embodiment, the location of the electronic device 110 isdetermined by sensing the electronic device 110 within a general area.For example, the electronic device 110 is sensed entering an entrancegate at an amusement park. In this embodiment, the location module 320senses that the electronic device 110 is within the amusement park.Although, the exact location of the electronic device 110 is notavailable, the location module 320 ascertains the general area of theelectronic device 110.

In one embodiment, the storage module 330 stores a profile associated auser of the electronic device 110. In another embodiment, the storagemodule 330 also stores the picture opportunity database.

In one embodiment, the interface module 340 detects an action such ascapturing a photograph through the electronic device 110.

In another embodiment, the interface module 340 transmits differentpossible selection choices from the picture opportunity database.

In yet another embodiment, the interface module 340 interacts with userregarding the user's selection from the picture opportunity database.

In another embodiment, the interface module 340 interacts with otherdevices. For example, in one instance, the interface module 340interacts with a GPS system for receiving geographical informationregarding the electronic device 110.

The identifying system 300 in FIG. 3 is shown for exemplary purposes andis merely one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for identifyingopportunities to capture content. Additional modules may be added to thesystem 300 without departing from the scope of the methods andapparatuses for sequestering content. Similarly, modules may be combinedor deleted without departing from the scope of the methods andapparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content.

FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified overview system 400 for identifyingopportunities to capture images. The system 400 includes an electronicdevice 110, a server 130, locator system 410, and a wireless network420. The record 400 is associated with a specific content.

In one embodiment, the electronic device 110 captures images under thedirection of a user. In one instance, the electronic device 110 receivessuggestions for opportunities to capture images based on the location ofthe electronic device 110 and the unique profile of the user. In anotherinstance, the electronic device 110 provides detailed instructions abouta particular opportunity of interest based on the selection of the userfrom the multiple suggestions.

In one embodiment, the server 130 monitors the electronic device 110 andprovides the electronic device 110 with suggestions for opportunities tocapture images. In one instance, the server 130 maintains the uniqueprofile for each user and the picture opportunity database. In anotherinstance, the server 130 detects activity of the electronic device 110and updates the profile for the user. In another instance, the server130 monitors the location of the electronic device 110.

In one embodiment, the locator system 410 determines the geographicallocation of the electronic device 110. In one instance, the locatorsystem 410 is a GPS system that utilizes multiple satellites to trackthe location of the electronic device throughout the world. In anotherinstance, the locator system 410 comprises multiple local sensors totrack the location of the electronic device 110 within a localized area.

In one embodiment, the locator system 410 communicates with the server130 through the electronic device. In another embodiment, the locatorsystem 410 communicates directly with the electronic device 110.

In one embodiment, the wireless network 420 facilitates communicationbetween the electronic device 110 and the server 130. In one embodiment,the wireless network 420 is a cellular network. In another embodiment,the wireless network 420 is a wide area network.

The flow diagrams as depicted in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are one embodiment ofthe methods and apparatuses for synchronizing and tracking content. Theblocks within the flow diagrams can be performed in a different sequencewithout departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses forsynchronizing and tracking content. Further, blocks can be deleted,added, or combined without departing from the spirit of the methods andapparatuses for synchronizing and tracking content.

The flow diagram in FIG. 5 illustrates identifying opportunities tocapture content according to one embodiment of the invention. In Block510, a camera device is detected. In one embodiment, the server 130detects the camera device.

In Block 520, a user's identity is determined. In one embodiment, theuser interfaces with the camera device detected within the Block 510.The user may be identified in numerous ways. In one instance, the useris identified through a password. In another instance, the user isidentified through a biometric parameter such as a fingerprint, a DNAsample, an iris scan, and the like. In yet another instance, the user isidentified through the use of a specific camera device.

In Block 530, a unique profile corresponding to the user's identity isloaded within the system 300. In one embodiment, the unique profile isloaded among a plurality of profiles associated with other users. In oneembodiment, the profile indicates the content types that the user hasexpressed interest. For example, the profile reflects that the usershows interest in content such as historic buildings, hot rodautomobiles, and the like. In one instance, the content types range fromgeneral categories such as “buildings” to more refined subsets such as“interiors of cathedrals” being a subset of “buildings”. In otherexamples, any number of labels are utilized to describe the variouscontent types that are listed within a profile.

In Block 540, a location of the camera device is determined. In oneembodiment, the location of the camera device is performed by thelocator system 410. In one instance, the locator system 410 determinesthe general location of the camera device without finding the exactlocation. For example, for determining a generalized location of thecamera device, a single cellular site is sufficient for detecting thecamera device within a generalized area such as within a particularcity.

In another instance, the locator system 410 determines a specificlocation of the camera device through a GPS system such as at aparticular street address. In one instance, the location of the cameradevice is determined within 3 feet.

In Block 550, suggestions are transmitted to the camera device. In oneembodiment, these suggestions give the user choices for photographicopportunities based on the location of the camera device and theinterests of the user.

The flow diagram in FIG. 6 illustrates identifying opportunities tocapture content according to one embodiment of the invention.

In Block 610, a unique profile is identified and the location of thecamera device is also identified.

In Block 620, a search is conducted within the picture opportunitydatabase based on the unique profile and the location of the cameradevice. In one embodiment, if the location of the camera is within acity such as San Francisco, then, the photographic opportunities listedwithin the picture opportunity is limited to listings in San Francisco.In another embodiment, the photographic opportunities listed within thepicture opportunity is limited to listings in San Francisco Bay Area. Inyet another embodiment, the photographic opportunities listed within thepicture opportunity is limited to listings in Northern California.

In one embodiment, the listings within the picture opportunity databaseare narrowed and refined based on the unique profile. For example, ifthe unique profile reflects that historic buildings are of interest,then the listings with the content type related to historical buildingsare retained.

In one embodiment, the number of retained listings ideally would notoverwhelm the camera device while still providing the camera device withchoices to select. For example, in one instance, having between 5 to 10listings from the picture opportunity database allows enough choiceswithout overwhelming the user and the camera device.

There are a variety of ways to limit or expand the number of listingtransmitted to the camera device. In one embodiment, the radius ofgeographical limits is dynamically varied to keep the number of listingsoffered to the camera device reasonable. For example, the geographicradius is enlarged when there are not enough listings to present to thecamera device. In another example, the geographic radius is decreasedwhen there are too many listings to present to the camera device.

Further, the content type is expanded and broadened when there are notenough listings to present to the camera device in one embodiment. Inthis instance, instead of selecting “historic buildings” as the contenttype, “buildings” is utilized as the content type. Similarly, thecontent type is narrowed when there are not enough listings to presentto the camera device in one embodiment. In this instance, instead ofselecting “historic buildings” as the content type, “historic buildingsin historic areas” is utilized as the content type.

Further, the content type is expanded and broadened when there are notenough listings to present to the camera device in one embodiment. Inthis instance, instead of selecting “historic buildings” as the contenttype, “buildings” is utilized as the content type.

In Block 630, the listings identified in the Block 620 are suggestionsthat are transmitted to the camera device.

In Block 640, a particular selection from one of the suggestions isreceived from the camera device. In one embodiment, the selectionrequests additional suggestions for the camera device. In this instance,additional suggestions are identified in the Block 620 and theseadditional suggestions are transmitted to the camera device in the Block630.

In another embodiment, the selection identifies one of the suggestionstransmitted in the Block 630.

In Block 650, detailed information related to the selected suggestion istransmitted to the camera device. In one embodiment, the detailedinformation is stored within the storage module 330. In one embodiment,the detailed information includes directions on how to reach thisphotographic opportunity, notes describing the environment of theopportunity, sample images to emulate, sample images with commonmistakes, and the like.

In Block 660, dynamic directions are transmitted to the camera devicebased on the real-time location of the camera device. For example, thedynamic directions are transmitted to the camera device calling outreal-time directions of “turn right at the next light”, “make a u-turnhere”, and the like.

The flow diagram in FIG. 7 illustrates customizing photographs capturedby the camera device according to one embodiment of the invention. InBlock 710, a particular selection from one of the suggestions isreceived from the camera device.

In Block 720, a location of the camera device is determined. In oneembodiment, the location of the camera device is performed by thelocator system 410.

In Block 730, a captured image recorded by the camera device isdetected. In one embodiment, the captured image is recorded by thecamera device at the location determined in the Block 720.

In Block 740, the image captured by the camera device and the locationof the camera device when the image was captured is compared withinformation related to the particular selection within the Block 710.

In one embodiment, the information related to the particular selectionis stored within the storage module 310 within the picture opportunitydatabase. For example, in one instance, the picture opportunity databaseincludes information related to the particular selection such as alocation, sample images, descriptive text associated with the sampleimages.

In one embodiment, the location of the camera device when the image wascaptured is compared to the location of the particular selection. If thecamera device was located outside the area of the particular selectionwhen the image was captured, then this image does not correspond to thesample images associated with the particular selection.

In one embodiment, the captured image is compared with the sample imagesstored within the picture opportunity database associated with theparticular selection. In one instance, commercially available imagerecognition and comparison algorithms are utilized to determine asufficient match between the captured image and one of the sampleimages.

In Block 750, text associated with the sample image is selectively addedto the captured image. In one embodiment, the text associated with thesample image is stored within the picture opportunity database. In oneembodiment, the text associated with the sample image describes detailsof the captured image such as location of the sample image, descriptionof the subject of the captured image, and the like.

In one embodiment, the text associated with the sample image is added tothe captured image when the captured image is recorded by the cameradevice in a location that corresponds with the particular selection. Inanother embodiment, the sample image is added to the captured image whenthe captured image matches the sample image.

In Block 760, the profile corresponding to the user of the camera deviceis updated according to the captured image. For example, the capturedimage that is detected in the Block 730 is utilized to refine theprofile associated with the user of the camera device.

In one embodiment, the captured image is matched with a sample imagecorresponding to the particular selection from the comparison in theBlock 740. In this instance, the content type associated with the sampleimage is utilized to update the profile corresponding to the user of thecamera device.

In another embodiment, the captured image does not correspond to asample image and is independently matched to a content type. Forexample, since the captured image does not correspond to any of thesample images, the captured image is examined to match a content typeunique to the captured image.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention havebeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. Forexample, the invention is described within the context of suggestingphoto opportunities and capturing images as merely one embodiment of theinvention. The invention may be applied to a variety of otherapplications.

They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise embodiments disclosed, and naturally many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodimentswere chosen and described in order to explain the principles of theinvention and its practical application, to thereby enable othersskilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be definedby the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

1-28. (canceled)
 29. An apparatus for suggesting local photoopportunities, comprising: at least one computer processor, andassociated memory, configured for identifying opportunities to capturephotographic content; programming executable on said at least one saidcomputer processor for, storing a user profile which includes at leastone content type from a number of classification categories describingphotographic interests of a user, and in which said content typespecifies the category, or kind, of photo opportunity in which the useris interested; receiving a geographical location of an electronic deviceof the user which is configured to capture an image; and generating atleast one suggestion based on matching the content types within the userprofile which expresses user interests and the content type of the photoopportunity for the geographical location of the electronic device ofthe user which is configured to capture an image.
 30. The apparatus asrecited in claim 29: wherein said at least one computer processor andassociated memory comprises an electronic device which is configured tocapture an image, and a server; and wherein the electronic device whichis configured to capture an image and the server are configured forcommunication with one another over a network.
 31. The apparatus asrecited in claim 29, wherein said electronic device of the user which isconfigured to capture an image is configured for communicating over anetwork with a server, and configured for receiving suggested localphoto opportunities therefrom.
 32. The apparatus as recited in claim 29,wherein said content type categories for representing user interestscomprise general categories of content types as well as subsets of thegeneral categories of content types within said user profile.
 33. Theapparatus as recited in claim 29, further comprising programmingexecutable on said at least one said computer processor for selecting asuggestion from said at least one suggestion within a photo opportunitydatabase wherein each suggestion includes a content type and ageographic location.
 34. The apparatus as recited in claim 29, furthercomprising programming executable on said at least one said computerprocessor for adding additional suggestions to said at least onesuggestion by widening an area around the geographic location of eachsuggestion that the electronic device, which is configured to capture animage, is found within or by relaxing a requirement that the contenttype of each suggestion match the user profile.
 35. The apparatus asrecited in claim 29, further comprising programming executable on saidat least one said computer processor for reducing suggestions from saidat least one suggestion by tightening a requirement that the contenttype of each suggestion match the user profile.
 36. The apparatus asrecited in claim 29, further comprising programming executable on saidat least one said computer processor for receiving a selection from anelectronic device of the user which is configured to capture an image asassociated with said apparatus wherein the selection is selected fromsaid at least one suggestion.
 37. The apparatus as recited in claim 29,further comprising: an electronic device of the user which is configuredto capture an image coupled over a network to a server as comprisingsaid at least one computer processor and associated memory; andprogramming executable on said at least one said computer processor fortransmitting a detailed description, from said server to said electronicdevice of the user which is configured to capture an image, in which thedetailed description corresponds to the selection.
 38. The apparatus asrecited in claim 37, wherein said server is configured to store a photoopportunity database that includes a plurality of photo opportunitylistings wherein each listing is associated with a geographic area and acontent type.
 39. The apparatus as recited in claim 37, wherein saiddetailed description includes a sample image of the selection.
 40. Theapparatus as recited in claim 37, wherein said detailed descriptionincludes directions to the selection based on the geographic location ofthe electronic device of the user which is configured to capture animage.
 41. An apparatus for suggesting local photo opportunities,comprising: a server computer and associated memory, configured foridentifying and suggesting photo opportunities based on location of anassociated electronic device with an ability to capture an image;wherein said server computer is configured to store a photo opportunitydatabase that includes a plurality of photo opportunity listings whereineach listing is associated with a geographic area and a content type;and programming executable on said server computer for, storing a userprofile which includes at least one content type from a number ofclassification categories describing photographic interests of a user,and in which said content type specifies the category, or kind, of photoopportunity in which the user is interested; receiving a geographicallocation of an electronic device of the user which is configured tocapture an image; generating at least one suggestion based on matchingthe content types within the user profile which expresses user interestsand the content type of the photo opportunity for the geographicallocation of the electronic device of the user which is configured tocapture an image; and transmitting photo opportunity information, assaid at least one suggestion, from said server computer to theelectronic device of the user which is configured to capture an image.42. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein said content typecategories for representing user interests comprise general categoriesof content types as well as subsets of the general categories of contenttypes within said user profile.
 43. The apparatus as recited in claim41, further comprising programming executable on said server computerfor selecting a suggestion from said at least one suggestion within aphoto opportunity database wherein each suggestion includes a contenttype and a geographic location.
 44. The apparatus as recited in claim41, further comprising programming executable on said at least one saidserver computer for adding additional suggestions to said at least onesuggestion by widening an area around the geographic location of eachsuggestion that the electronic device of the user, which is configuredto capture an image, is found within or by relaxing a requirement thatthe content type of each suggestion match the user profile.
 45. Theapparatus as recited in claim 41, further comprising programmingexecutable on said server computer for reducing suggestions from said atleast one suggestion by tightening a requirement that the content typeof each suggestion match the user profile.
 46. The apparatus as recitedin claim 41, further comprising programming executable on said servercomputer for receiving a selection from the electronic device of theuser which is configured to capture an image as associated with saidapparatus wherein the selection is selected from said at least onesuggestion.
 47. The apparatus as recited in claim 41, further comprisingprogramming executable on said server computer for transmitting adetailed description and sample image to the electronic device of theuser, which is configured to capture an image, in which the detaileddescription corresponds to the selection.
 48. An apparatus forsuggesting local photo opportunities, comprising: a server computer andassociated memory, configured for identifying and suggesting photoopportunities based on location of an electronic device of a user whichcan capture an image; means for storing a photo opportunity databasewithin said server computer, which includes a plurality of photoopportunity listings wherein each listing is associated with ageographic area and a content type; means for storing a user profilewithin said server computer which includes at least one content typefrom a number of classification categories describing photographicinterests of a user, and in which said content type specifies thecategory, or kind, of photo opportunity in which the user is interested;means for receiving a geographical location within said server computerof an electronic device of the user which is configured to capture animage; and means for generating at least one suggestion by said servercomputer based on matching the content types within the user profilewhich expresses user interests and the content type of the photoopportunity for the geographical location of the electronic device ofthe user which is configured to capture an image.